Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix wrote a letter to his newborn daughter, Riley, reflecting on the challenges he faced after suffering a season-ending ankle injury during the team’s run to the AFC Championship Game, according to an April 15 article.
Nix addressed how his injury just one step away from the Super Bowl affected him both physically and emotionally. In his letter published in The Players’ Tribune, Nix wrote, “Our season didn’t end the way I thought it would. I broke my ankle one step away from the Super Bowl. It hurt. Bad. Not just physically. It hurt because I love playing the game with my teammates. It hurt because we’ve built something really special. It hurt because when you’re that close to something you’ve dreamed about your whole life, you don’t want it taken out of your hands.”
He also described previous moments of adversity in his life, including challenges faced by his family when he was younger and disappointment at the end of his Auburn tenure. Through these experiences and relying on faith, Nix said he found a higher purpose: “The point in all this is that chasing your passion comes with both success and disappointment,” Nix wrote. “Ultimately, through perseverance and building a strong foundation, you can find peace in your purpose.” He added that welcoming Riley has made his purpose feel clearer than ever.
Looking ahead as he recovers from injury and continues his career with Denver, Nix expressed gratitude for those supporting him: “I’m grateful for my teammates and a head coach and staff that believe in me,” he wrote. “I’m grateful for our fans and all of Broncos Country. I’m grateful for the opportunity I’ve been given in Denver.” He stated that he’ll return stronger next season.
Nix concluded by offering advice to Riley about setbacks: “[I]f I’m being honest, the biggest win of this past season wasn’t a playoff game,” he wrote. “It was being slowed down long enough to hold you in my arms and realize that sometimes God’s plan doesn’t look like what you prayed for…. It looks better.” He encouraged her not to see losing or setbacks as endings but as new beginnings.
